Joaquin Benoit celebrates after the Tigers defeated Boston, 7-3, in Game 4 of the ALCS. Benoit ended up as the team's closer this season and is a free agent.

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For the second straight year, the Tigers enter the off-season without any clarity on who will be their ninth-inning closer next season.

Joaquin Benoit? The Tigers might want him back, but he's a free agent. He's 36 - not at all old for a closer.

Bruce Rondon? He pitched once after Labor Day because of elbow trouble. Is this a one-time problem, or will Rondon continue to have elbow trouble if he keeps throwing more than 100 m.p.h.? And if he lowers his velocity in an effort to keep his elbow healthy, can he be a closer? ...